The fire crackled softly, casting warm light over the camp as everyone settled down for the night. You sat near the edge of the group, hugging your knees to your chest as you stared into the flames. Aragorn was sitting across from you, sharpening his sword with the same focused expression he always had. It was the kind of concentration that made him seem so distant—like he had the weight of Middle-earth on his shoulders. Which wasn’t so far from the truth.
Legolas and Gimli were arguing again, the dwarf’s harsh voice clashing with the elf’s calm replies. Something about how to properly track an enemy, but you weren’t really paying attention. Frodo was sitting quietly, the Ring hidden under his shirt, and Sam had already curled up by his side, ready to protect him even in sleep. Merry and Pippin were whispering, probably planning some prank to lift everyone’s spirits.
But your mind kept drifting back to Aragorn.
He’d been so quiet lately, and not just his usual thoughtful self. It was more than that. Like something was weighing him down even more than usual. You could see it in the way his jaw tightened, the way his shoulders stayed tense even when the rest of the fellowship tried to relax. He barely even smiled anymore, and that was saying something for Aragorn.
You wanted to say something, but what could you say? What do you say to someone who’s probably going to be king one day and has a world of responsibilities you can’t even imagine?
You sighed quietly, trying to shake the feeling off. It wasn’t your place to bother him. You were just another person in the Fellowship, right? Nothing special. But then Aragorn’s eyes flickered up, meeting yours across the fire. His gaze was intense, like he was seeing right through you, and your heart skipped a beat.
“(Y/N),” he said in that quiet, serious voice of his. “Are you all right?”
Your heart raced, caught off guard. Was he asking if you were okay? You tried to play it off cool, but your voice cracked just a little when you answered. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just...thinking.”
He nodded, but didn’t say anything more. Typical Aragorn—always listening but never giving much away. Still, something in his expression softened as he put away his sword and stood up. Before you could react, he walked over and sat down beside you.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked, his voice quieter now, just for you.
You blinked, surprised he wanted to talk. Normally he was so focused on the mission or the others. “I don’t know,” you admitted, looking away from him and back at the fire. “I guess...you seem different lately. More worried than usual.”
There was a brief silence, the only sounds the crackling fire and the distant argument between Gimli and Legolas.
“You see more than most, (Y/N),” Aragorn finally said. His voice was softer now, almost hesitant. “I am worried, yes. There is much ahead of us, and the road will only get harder.”
You felt a pang in your chest at how tired he sounded. “You don’t have to carry it all alone, you know,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.
He looked at you again, and this time, his gaze was softer. “I do not carry it alone. Not as long as you’re here.”
Your heart skipped another beat, but before you could say anything, Merry and Pippin’s quiet giggles turned into full-blown laughter. You looked over to see them stumbling around, pretending to be orcs, while Frodo gave them a tired look. Even Gandalf, who was sitting nearby, was pretending not to be amused.
“Don’t mind them,” Aragorn said, chuckling softly. “Their antics are good for morale, even if they sometimes make us want to leave them tied to a tree.”
You laughed, the tension easing a little. “True. But you know, I’m serious. You can talk to me, Aragorn. I know I’m not...well, I’m not an elf like Legolas or wise like Gandalf, but—”
“You are braver than you think, (Y/N),” he interrupted, his voice low. He was looking at you with that same intensity again, but there was something else in his eyes now—something you hadn’t noticed before. “And your presence has given me more strength than you know.”
Your face felt hot, and you didn’t know what to say. His hand reached out, just barely brushing yours, his touch warm despite the chill in the air. “You remind me why we fight. Why we keep going, even when it seems impossible.”
You blinked, trying to process what he was saying. Was Aragorn really saying all this to you? You? The one who still stumbled through sword training and barely kept up with the others on long hikes?
“I—” you started, but before you could finish, Aragorn leaned in, just a little, his eyes never leaving yours. It wasn’t like you’d imagined kissing someone would feel—it wasn’t fireworks or some grand, romantic moment like in the stories—but it was real. Soft and steady, like everything else about him.
When he pulled away, your heart was racing, and you didn’t know if it was from the kiss or the fact that Aragorn, of all people, had just kissed you.
“You should sleep,” he said, almost as if nothing had happened, though there was a small smile on his lips now. “Tomorrow will be difficult.”
“Right...right,” you mumbled, still dazed. “Sleep. Sure.”
As he stood up, you noticed Legolas watching from a distance, a knowing smile on his face. Gimli, on the other hand, was oblivious, still muttering about the elf’s tracking skills.
You smiled to yourself, settling down by the fire. Tomorrow might bring danger, but for now, in this moment, you felt safe.
YOU ARE READING
Lotr oneshots
Fanfiction-REQUESTS ARE OPEN- This is a lotr oneshot book. I will write oneshots with: Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, and some other charackters, also from the Hobbit.
